Makeup

Makeup Looks That Take Less Than 4 Minutes

Our editors smudged, lined, swiped and smiled to prove these six makeup looks and tips will make you look gorgeous -- in a flash

by Kristen Oldham Giordani

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We gave celebrity makeup artist and beauty brand founder Napoleon Perdis a challenge: create six gorgeous makeup looks that can be done in four minutes or less. He accepted our challenge, which may not seem like a difficult one, but for a man who spends hours beautifying faces for magazine covers, music videos and the red carpet, it's no small feat. He created beautiful face charts of makeup looks, then Total Beauty editors tried and tested them (while the clock was ticking) in order to prove that they do, in fact, take less than four minutes (and are doable for non-makeup artist types). But before we reveal the looks to you -- and the products you'll need to recreate them, here are a few general makeup tips from Mr. Perdis:

Tip 1: "Not to prime is a crime," says Perdis. He recommends applying primer every day before your makeup to "promote smoother application and longer wear of your makeup," he says.

Tip 2: "Start your [makeup] regimen with at least one coat of mascara," says Perdis. He recommends this because it will instantly wake up your face and you'll often need less makeup to feel pulled-together. You should also finish your look with an additional few swipes.

Tip 3: "The secret to fast and easy makeup is to utilize multi-use products as much as possible," says Perdis. This will save you time and cash.

Tip 4: Don't get caught up in trying to figure out what colors you should wear and instead wear the colors you want to wear. If you wear them confidently you can wear any color.

Now onto the makeup looks -- ladies start your timers �

SEE NEXT PAGE: Look 1: Monochromatic Glow

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products mentioned

Napoleon Perdis Barely Blushing

8.5

Flirt! I'm Whipped Cheek Mousse

8.0

Tropez Ultra Glaze Lip Gloss

9.3

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Face...

8.2

L'Oréal Paris Extra-Volume Hydra Collagen...

7.1

Napoleon Perdis Neo Noir Liquid Liner

10.0

Napoleon Perdis Luminous Lip Veil

0.0

MAC Paint Pot

8.8

Estee Lauder Gel Eyeliner

9.7

Napoleon Perdis Baked Powder

0.0

Estee Lauder All-Day Lipstick

7.2

Bourjois Effet 3D Lipgloss

7.6

Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral...

0.0

Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara

6.3

Napoleon Perdis Prismatic Eye Shadow Quad

0.0

Napoleon Perdis DeVine Goddess

7.3

Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Custom...

0.0

BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

7.4

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening...

7.8

BUY NOW

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Makeup Brow Gel

5.3

Napoleon Perdis Eye Pencil

8.5

Napoleon Perdis Cheek to Chic Blush Duos

0.0

MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner

10.0

Purple Lab Sealed with a Cure Lipgloss

0.0

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15

8.3

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

9.2

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara

7.0

Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol Mascara

0.0

Maybelline New York Great Lash Washable Mascara

6.5

BUY NOW

Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara

6.3

CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Powder

8.5

Maybelline New York EyeStudio Wet Eyeshadow Quad

6.9

NYX Cosmetics NYX Long Pencils Eye

5.0

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Older comments

Great tips.

by Monique3 Monday, February 4, 2013 at 09:51AM Report as inappropriate

Nice

by EricaC123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:32AM Report as inappropriate

Good ideas! Thanks for sharing!

by robyne00 Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 04:33PM Report as inappropriate

I tried the monochromatic look once and really liked it. Lovely tips.

by nicky22 Monday, October 22, 2012 at 09:58AM Report as inappropriate

Fun and fast makeup!!! Love it!!!

by darkangel81 Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 04:43PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips for those days that I am in a hurry

by jola64 Friday, April 20, 2012 at 12:43PM Report as inappropriate

It is great to see looks that can be created so quickly.

by beautybody Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 09:30AM Report as inappropriate

I found all of these to be very interesting. All the women were absolutely beautiful! I like how the woman on slide 11 used cheaper products to begin with. Thanks.

by watsername23 Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 03:39PM Report as inappropriate

These were fun! Now I have some ideas for new looks I can try out with makeup I already own at home.

by tallredamanda Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:20AM Report as inappropriate

All of these looks are gorgeous and fast!

by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 11:42PM Report as inappropriate